A Soapbox Opera

Album: Crisis? What Crisis? (1975)
Play Video
  • I want to tell you something
    Listen to me,
    I'm trying to say, I'm better than you,
    I am only what I am"

    "We must not stand still,
    For the night is coming,
    Every man, every woman and child,
    Everybody help me"

    I hear, only what I want to hear,
    But, I have to believe in something,
    Have to believe in just one thing.
    I said father Washington, you're all mixed up,
    Collecting sinners in an old tin cup.
    Well, spare a listen for a restless fool,
    There's something missing when I need your rule.

    Well, hey there
    You tell me you're a holy man, but, although I am just a beginner,
    I don't see you as a winner.
    I said, sister Washington, you're all washed up,
    Collecting teardrops in a paper cup
    If I could tell you what you need to know
    If I could tell you to get on with the show.

    I'd rather never leave her,
    There's a storm in my head,
    Makes me hear what you say
    Just was it true?
    So, what have I to do?
    Well, what has he to do?-
    Ooh, what is there to-oo do+
    What oh-oh-ohoh

    "All creatures great and small,
    All things wise and wonderful, the lord god made them all"

    Mary, oh tell me what I'm living for,
    Cause I feel like I'm tossed in the river,
    Oh' have you a son to deliver.

    I said, father Washington, you're all mixed up,
    Collecting sinners in an old tin cup,
    You tell the children what you need to know,
    But, will they listen when it's time to go.

    Oh, sister Robinson, you're all washed up,
    Collecting teardrops in a paper cup,
    Can someone tell me what I need to know,
    Can someone help me to get on with the show Writer/s: RICHARD DAVIES, ROGER HODGSON
    Publisher: Universal Music Publishing Group
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 1

  • Steve from Harbor City, CaThis song has an instrumental interlude which is followed by an uncredited female vocalist singing the old English hymn, "All Things Bright and Beautiful".
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Philip Cody

Philip CodySongwriter Interviews

A talented lyricist, Philip helped revive Neil Sedaka's career with the words to "Laughter In The Rain" and "Bad Blood."

Michael Franti

Michael FrantiSongwriter Interviews

Franti tells the story behind his hit "Say Hey (I Love You)" and explains why yoga is an integral part of his lifestyle and his Soulshine tour.

Graham Parker

Graham ParkerSongwriter Interviews

When Judd Apatow needed under-appreciated rockers for his Knocked Up sequel, he immediately thought of Parker, who just happened to be getting his band The Rumour back together.

Dennis DeYoung

Dennis DeYoungSongwriter Interviews

Dennis DeYoung explains why "Mr. Roboto" is the defining Styx song, and what the "gathering of angels" represents in "Come Sail Away."

Chris Frantz of Talking Heads

Chris Frantz of Talking HeadsSongwriter Interviews

Talking Heads drummer Chris Frantz on where the term "new wave" originated, the story of "Naive Melody," and why they never recorded another cover song after "Take Me To The River."

Dar Williams

Dar WilliamsSongwriter Interviews

A popular contemporary folk singer, Williams still remembers the sticky note that changed her life in college.